Is the future of work changing faster than we can adapt?
On our first episode of our brand new People Proud podcast, we came to the conclusion that the answer is yes—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
In our premiere episode, Redefining the future of work, we explored how it’s imperative that technology, culture, and leadership evolve together to build modern, people-first companies. The conversation featured:
- Ronni Zehavi, CEO and co-founder of HiBob
- Tali Sachs, senior content marketing manager at HiBob
- Dr. Ken Matos, director of market insights at HiBob
Together, we unpacked what’s driving today’s seismic workplace changes and why a people-first philosophy—supported by technology and trust—is the key to thriving in the future of work.
The world of work is at a turning point
For Ronni Zehavi, the last decade has been defined by one thing: relentless transformation. From generational shifts to the pandemic to the rise of AI, every change has reshaped how people connect, collaborate, and contribute.
When he founded HiBob in 2015, Zehavi and his team believed generational change would be the main disruptor. When the COVID pandemic hit, they realized the scale of transformation was far bigger than anyone expected it would be. “Within six weeks, [the global workforce was] working remotely,” he recalled. “It completely changed how we live and work.”
That adaptability, he says, has become essential. The companies that will thrive in the future of work are those that evolve quickly—without hesitation—and without losing sight of their people.
From people first to people proud
HiBob’s philosophy has grown over the years from people first to people proud, a belief that culture is the foundation and the amplifier of success.
Zehavi explains that this mindset took shape early in the company’s life. The DNA was set with the first people they hired and has evolved as HiBob has scaled. Putting people at the center, he said, wasn’t just about caring. It was about building a better business.
Sachs echoed that sentiment. She describes people proud as more than a motto: It’s a model for modern leadership. Empowering people, rather than controlling them, is the company’s way of building resilience and innovation into the organization.
Matos added that this philosophy doesn’t stop there. It resonates with customers, too. Many see Bob as more than a system. They see it as a vehicle for cultural change. “When a company chooses Bob,” he explained, “it’s often because they want to evolve how they engage their people, not just how they manage HR tasks.”
That connection between culture and technology has helped HiBob’s customers—from manufacturers to multi-national tech firms—modernize their tools and their mindsets.
AI and the future of work: building a partnership between people and tech
The story of AI and the future of work is ultimately a human one. Zehavi emphasized that AI’s role isn’t to replace people but to augment them. The goal is to create a partnership between human intelligence and machine efficiency.
He shared how HiBob embraced AI from the inside out. In late 2024, every Bobber was encouraged to experiment through an internal “AI Day,” a day dedicated to encouraging and inspiring people to take the time they needed to learn and play with new tools.
Sachs, who initially approached AI skeptically, said that time was transformative. She discovered that AI could actually enhance her creativity, helping her brainstorm more efficiently, refine ideas, and create space for deeper thinking.
“It doesn’t replace my critical thinking,” she reflected. “It challenges and extends it.”
This hands-on experimentation, Zehavi said, is what drives innovation. HiBob’s teams are now expected to identify where AI can help them work smarter, not longer. It’s a philosophy that values impact over output, a crucial distinction in an era where technology is accelerating every aspect of work.
Matos added that this bottom-up approach to innovation reflects a larger shift in the workplace. With AI tools now accessible to anyone, change no longer has to come from the top. “Employees can redesign processes themselves,” he explained. “That’s what makes this moment so powerful.”
Building the modern, connected company
As work becomes faster, leaner, and more complex, Zehavi believes technology’s purpose is to unify (not fragment) organizations. He described the next phase of the Bob platform’s evolution as moving from a system of record to a system of context and productivity, where HR, Finance, IT, and business leaders share one source of truth.
“When all departments operate from one shared platform,” he said, “you get agility, visibility, and culture alignment in one place.”
For Matos, that integration is essential. He’s seen firsthand how having a single system can accelerate cultural change, particularly in organizations managing acquisitions or distributed teams. “When everyone works from the same foundation,” he said, “you can finally make meaningful change.”
Balancing technology, trust, and time
For all three, one theme stood out: Thriving in the future of work requires balance between technology and trust, automation and awareness.
Sachs pointed out that AI is most powerful when it helps people rediscover their own potential. “It doesn’t make us less human,” she said. “It gives us time back—time to think, collaborate, and create.”
Zehavi agreed, adding that awareness and adaptability remain leadership essentials. He compared it to driving a manual car: Automation can take you far, but success still depends on listening to the engine and knowing when to shift gears.
In a world defined by constant change, the people proud mindset is more than an HR philosophy. It’s a growth strategy for the modern era.
Key takeaways: How to thrive in the AI-powered future of work
- Build a people-first foundation. Companies that put people at the heart of their business strategies gain the agility and resilience to adapt to any change, whether it’s digital transformation, economic shifts, or global expansion.
- Balance AI with human intelligence. The future of work depends on collaboration between humans and technology. Leaders should promote AI literacy and encourage experimentation at every level.
- Unify systems for a modern workplace. Consolidating HR, Finance, and IT into a single system of context creates transparency, connection, and shared purpose across global teams.
- Lead with empowerment, not control. Empowering people to innovate drives productivity and fosters a culture where people feel proud, trusted, and motivated to grow.
- Prioritize wellbeing and trust. AI and the future of work are not about working harder but smarter—giving employees time back for creativity, collaboration, and human connection.
